Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

The High Bridge Office of Emergency Management (OEM) addresses how the municipality responds to disasters, and plans in advance to meet the needs of individuals and the community-at-large. During emergencies, OEM works in unison with State and County organizations and agencies, as well as with the Red Cross. Emergency operation plans have been created specifically for High Bridge, and updated versions are shared with all emergency services teams as well as Mayor and Council. Plans are put into effect on an as-needed basis during snowstorms, flooding, power outages, and other natural disasters and emergency events.

Community Emergency Response Team

The CERT program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

High Bridge CERT members participate in preparedness activities and respond to emergencies, such as Hurricanes Irene and Sandy. Members also volunteer during events such as the Soap Box Derby, Community Day and other Borough events. Members continually train to be ready for emergency situations. You can find more information about CERT by visiting their website.

Looking for Members

Consider joining the High Bridge CERT Team; our Team is looking for new members. If you are a High Bridge resident, over the age of 18 and interested, call Gabi Oliver at 908-938-3390 or contact us via email for more information. At times of emergencies, every pair of hands counts.

Recent events CERT participated in were the Soap Box Derby, the Spruce Run Triathlon, the Warming Center at the High Bridge Rescue Squad and other helpful services to residents after Hurricane Sandy, the search of a missing person, and the High Bridge tree lighting.

To join the team, the applicant will have to complete an eight-week, once-a-week training program. This training will cover first aid, search and rescue, fire safety and control, disaster planning and anti-terrorism. Become a part of the Community Emergency Response Team; complete the CERT APPLICATION

Special Needs Registry

The High Bridge OEM maintains a Special Needs Registry, and residents who register are recognized and planned for during emergency situations. All elderly and special needs individuals are strongly encouraged to register!

IMPORTANT NOTES

As always, call 9-1-1- for any emergency situations.

The first line of defense against the effects of a disaster is personal preparedness. During an emergency, the government and other agencies may not be able to meet your needs. It is important for all citizens to make their own emergency plans and prepare for their own care and safety in an emergency.

Prepare for short- and long-term disasters by creating a basic emergency supply kit. The kit should include required medications, a three-day supply of food, water and other supplies to support you, your family and your pet in an emergency. You can find suggestions at the Federal Government’s website.

Do STOCK food that does not require refrigeration or cooking, keep plenty of bottled water on hand, and have a supply of any necessary medications.

Adverse weather can be devastating to everyone’s health, safety and well-being. Prepare now for alternative safe solutions to keeping cool or warm in the event of an extended power failure.

In adverse conditions, look after your elderly neighbors and report your concerns to the Borough.

Remember to make emergency preparation for your pets as well; more information on caring for pets in emergencies may be found on the Protecting Pets webpage.

Hurricane Information

Hurricanes have the power to cause widespread devastation, and can affect both coastal and inland areas. For more information, download the “How to Prepare for a Hurricane” guide from the FEMA website. The guide provides the basics of hurricanes, explains how to protect yourself and your property, and details the steps to take now so that you can act quickly at a time when every second counts.

FEMA Disaster Assistance Registration

After a disaster, you may be eligible for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For more information on applying for Federal assistance, visit the FEMA website.

Protecting Pets

Pets are not allowed in shelters during emergency situations. There is an alternative to leaving a pet at home if you are able to leave town during an event. The following links will connect you with establishments that will allow you to bring your pet with you in the event of evacuation and sheltering. Remember that pets are not allowed in Red Cross-sanctioned shelters.